Orphic Hymn to Ceralian Demeter

The Orphic Hymns are ancient Greek poems that were part of the multi-god worshipping religious practice of Orphism. In 1787, the Orphic Hymns were translated into English by Thomas Taylor. A second edition was published in 1824. There are 87 known Orphic Hymns.

In 2019, I began composing music for the Orphic Hymns. As of the date of this writing, I have composed music for 18 of Taylor's hymns with plans to eventually cover the entire canon.

This track was sung and edited entirely without pitch correction (Autotune). The lead vocal was a single take.

Lyrics
Ceralian [Antaia] queen, of celebrated name,
from whom both men, and Gods immortal came;
Who widely wand'ring once, oppress'd with grief,
in Eleusina's valley found'st relief,
Discovering Proserpine [Persephone] thy daughter pure
in dread Avernus [Aides], dismal and obscure;
A sacred youth while thro' the world you stray
Bacchus [Dysaulos], attending leader of the way;
The holy marriage of terrestrial Jove [Zeus Khthonios]
relating, while oppress'd with grief you rove;
Come, much invok'd, and to these rites inclin'd,
thy mystic suppliant bless, with fav'ring mind.

Music composed/produced by Kimberly Steele (Queenie), translations of the ancient hymns by Thomas Taylor

[willlowsage]

your style of music is so beautiful. i can't thank you enough for these, they are very useful in my prayers!

[jopickett]

This is so wholesome and beautiful. I will be visiting Eleusis this summer.

Thank you.

[irvingmarquez]

thanks so much!!! its beautyful i hope it pleases to the Goddess!!!